Sometime in late April, just about every year, people who follow me on Facebook will be greeted by a single-word, all-caps post.
HUMMINGBIRD!
Gayle Nastasi, animal consultant and author
Marmota monax: The Whistle-pig. Well-known as a hungry troublemaker around homes and gardens, the lowly woodchuck has its good side, too.
Whatever adventures life holds in store for you, know that I send you courage, fortitude, and love. And know that, as long as you have your beloved animal companions beside you (even those who are only now beside you in spirit) … you will never walk alone.
A wintery update, and some news. Did you experience the big March nor’easter? How has your own current weather been treating you?
Chipmunks, it appears, have amazing spatial perception. One little fellow was helping himself to my birdseed (most likely a descendant of the critter in the photo), and completely ignoring the dog…until the dog spotted him.
The games began. Kira ran to the full length of the leash, which brought her to about eight feet from the trees. That striped varmint eyed the exact distance, knew right away that the dog’s reach was limited, and ran.
Right toward Kira.
I don’t mean to feed the deer. I know it’s not legal to do so. In fact, it’s illegal in my state (and many others) to feed any wildlife other than the birds. However, the deer (and the squirrels and the chipmunks and the occasional raccoon, saints preserve us) have minds of their own.
I had no sooner put the seed out for the birdies this morning, when I turned to see three large does helping themselves to my feeders.